Paris has long been a favored destination with LGBTQ+ travelers. Now, as the world reopens to travel, France’s capital is poised to attract a surge of globetrotters.
“Paris is so eager to welcome international tourists back to the city,” said Clark Massad, vice president of global partnerships, International LGBTQ+ Travel Association. “The cafés and terrasses are open, museums have just reopened, restaurants and cinemas will be opening soon, and the weather is gorgeous.”
Massad praised the city’s vibrant and welcoming ambience. “The gay neighborhood, known locally as the Marais, is awash with rainbow crosswalks and rainbow flags flying high above businesses that welcome the LGBTQ+ community,” he noted.
Paris isn’t resting on its legendary laurels, Massad added; the city continues to improve its offerings for LGBTQ+ travelers and residents alike. “In 2017 I was invited to participate in a report authored by Deputy Mayor Romero-Michel outlining more than 50 ways the city could improve its image as LGBTQ+ welcoming. I’m happy to say that many of those recommendations have been made realities and that at the June City Council Meeting, Paris [was to] be designated an LGBTQ+ Freedom Zone, further underscoring the equality and rights of LGBTQ+ people in the capital.”
Like many cities, Paris may seem a bit different after months of lockdown. But that may not be a bad thing, according to Bryan Pirolli, owner, The Gay Locals, a private walking tour company that offers cultural and historical tours of the Marais and Montmartre districts, among others. “I think for travelers it will be markedly better,” he said. “Timed entries for museums will make cultural excursions less crowded. Cafés that took over parking spaces means there will be even more outdoor dining and drinking.”
“The Marais district — the so-called ‘gayborhood’ — is thriving again, with its streets full of revelers, so there will be a good amount of fun to be had, even if some of the indoor clubs and saunas seem a little too much for COVID-wary travelers,” Pirolli added.
To make it easier to enjoy the city, the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau website maintains an LGBTQ+ section with detailed information and travel tips.
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Feb 8, 2023Maastricht is for Art Lovers
The southern Dutch city of Maastricht is one of the most beautiful cities in the Netherlands, and home to many art institutions and art fairs, including TEFAF Maastricht, Europe’s premier trade show for fine art.
Sponsored Content
Discover Seoul’s Sustainable Side
Awareness about fair and sustainable travel continues to grow around the globe, with travelers everywhere considering a destination’s eco-friendly options before visiting. As public consciousness for this important aspect of tourism strengthens, tourists also look beyond just ecotourism and delve deeper into types of travel that allow them to respect the local culture, interact with locals and distribute benefits fairly.
January/February 2023
Feb 8, 2023Sum of Its Parts: Discover the True Pulse of the City in Chicago’s Diverse Neighborhoods
Without visiting, it’d be easy to throw Chicago into any number of categories. Everyone thinks they know Chicago; after all, it’s the third-largest city in America, the most prestigious foodie city in the country, the city of jazz, a comedian’s playground, an architect’s dream, a writer’s paradise. The list goes on. Only when walking the streets themselves do you realize there’s nothing categorical about the Windy City, especially as it continues to evolve.
January/February 2023
Feb 8, 2023Airline Startups Take to the Skies, Offering Affordability and Accessibility
PHOTO: © ADRIAN OLSTAD
Sponsored Content
75 Years Connecting the Americas
Copa Airlines is celebrating its 75th anniversary by showcasing a Boeing 737-800 NG in an aircraft livery that harkened back to the airline’s look in the 1990s. During that time, Copa Airlines launched an expansion of their network to become the Hub of the Americas®, changing the way to travel to and connect in our Continent.
Daily
Feb 8, 2023New Ayurvedic Journeys at Anantara Resorts in Sri Lanka
Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort and Anantara Kalutara Resort in Sri Lanka offer travelers new Ayurvedic experiences.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Debuts in Aruba
eFlyer News
Feb 8, 2023Self-Care Staycation at Bellyard Hotel
eFlyer Deals
Feb 8, 2023eFlyer Deals
Feb 8, 2023Regent Romance at The Lanesborough
The Lanesborough, one of London’s most luxurious properties and part of Oetker Collection, offers a romantic afternoon tea experience alongside a hotel stay just in time for Valentine’s Day. Available Feb. 11, 12 and 14, Valentine’s Afternoon Tea features Rosé Champagne and a rose cake to share with that special someone.
eFlyer Lead
Feb 8, 2023Devastating Türkiye, Syrian Earthquake: How to Help as Death Toll Rises
A deadly 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Türkiye and Syria Feb. 6, with more than 11,000 fatalities thus far reported. That number is expected to grow as rescue operations continue.
ShareThis